Reading suffered their first National Trophy defeat of the season when losing to a Derby side who win Pool 2 with a 100-per-cent record.

In a titanic battle at Rivermead, Rockets came from behind to take the lead deep into the fourth quarter, but Trailblazers scored 10 points from the free throw-line in the last five minutes to snatch victory.

Early on, Rockets coach Samit Nuruzade worked hard to find the right combination on the court.

The main Derby threat was coming from Mark Woodhouse, who scored 10 points as his side took an 18-14 lead by the end of the opening quarter.

The second period was not kind to Rockets and they were outscored 24-14 to leave Derby with a healthy-looking interval lead of 42-28.

During this quarter Rockets captain Ryan Lohfink pulled down eight rebounds and scored seven points as he fought tirelessly to keep Rockets in the game.

Nuruzade had stern words for his squad during the break and they had the desired effect.

Rockets outscored their visitors by a 24-15 margin. Robbie Parker got them going with a three pointer and Matt Guymon had a spin for two before collecting his third personal foul.

A Lewis Champion drive was followed by a pair of superb steals and scores from Jon May and Lohfink.

Rockets cut the deficit to seven points and another Lohfink score left them trailing by five points with just 12 seconds left of the period.

Derby’s Rishi Kakad hit a huge three to leave his side 57-49 ahead going into the final quarter.

Drives again by Champion and Lohfink narrowed the gap to four points within 90 seconds of the re-start.

Then a Harrison Gamble shot, followed by a Luke Nelson steal and score brought the scores level at 57-57 with seven minutes left. Guymon picked up his fourth foul, but a Lohfink jump shot eased Rockets ahead.

But they were now in foul trouble and were in danger of conceding a pair of free throws every time Derby attacked the basket.

This proved the real difference in the end with Derby hitting hit 10 in the last five minutes.

They added 21 points in total, with 15 coming from Kakad.

Lohfink and Gamble hit eight points each in this final period, but Rockets just couldn’t overcome the foul trouble they were in.

Lohfink was the man of the match with 24 points and 15 rebounds.

Gamble and Parker scored 14 and 12 points respectively, while there were super contributions from teenagers Nelson and Champion.

Despite losing Rockets are not out of the Trophy. They can finish runners-up to Derby by beating London Leopards at Barking Abbey in their final pool game on, November 5.

Rockets are in league action on Saturday (7pm) when they take on Bristol Academy at Filton College.